## Annual Report 2020-2021
**INTRODUCTION:** Please note that this report covers the early period of time During the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic up to the end of March 2021. It covers the initial stages when the Government ‘lockdowns’ were implemented.
It is our fifth year of the garden which has seen a small growth to the infrastructure but has proved challenging for the Inspire Community Garden volunteers. While some haven’t been able to attend due to shielding or protecting their family & friends, those who have continued have managed to grow many edibles and ornamentals. We have tried to make as much progress as we can, given the difficult circumstances. The year started well with much activity preparing the growing beds and poly tunnels to allow production of plants to sell. A new very large Greenhouse was donated, and this was erected along with some new raised beds and seating area. We established that we could continue to use the existing garden space and that we could have another growing season on this site in 2021. Rianne Mason agreed to organise the growing plan for this year but was unable to see the actual planting taking place due to moving on to a new project some distance away. Her plan was implanted under the control of Helen Green and Angela Fookes.
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We had to close the use of the caravan and socialising was maintained at a distance and in the open. Use of indoor spaces in polytunnels and greenhouses has been restricted to one or two people to protect everyone.
We have maintained opening the garden twice a week but only to volunteers. Visitors have been restricted to specific times & people, such as collection of
Potato Day surplus.
In the previous year a lot of time and effort was spent on investigating the possibility of moving the garden to another site but, due to factors beyond our control, this was eventually rejected. Due to other pressures, we have also reduced the number of Trustees to five, comprising Chris Allen, Chris Brooks, Lindsey Fallon, Steve Sansom, and Karl Stirland.
Our usual monthly meetings had to
be abandoned so specific meetings were arranged, when needed, such as to produce our Growing plan and other identified activities.
Although volumes of surplus plants for sale was reduced in early 2021, we have managed to sell sufficient to generate income towards our running costs. We also raised funds by helping to organise Transition Chesterfield’s Potato Day sales, which was also very restricted in its operation this year.
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Our reduced group of volunteers continues to come along, with each person having different interests and
experience of gardening. Some come
along for the organic or permaculture growing and to learn, some are with us for the construction of facilities, some are particularly interested in the wildlife we see at the garden and others attend for the physical exercise or workout! However, some come
just to enjoy the friendship and to get out of the house to a safe environment outdoors has allowed social distancing. The Garden remains a peaceful place for enjoying the fresh air and calm environment.
COVID-19 (Coronavirus) At the time of the ‘lockdown’ towards the end of March 2020 the Trustees decided that the garden will remain open for ‘exercise’ purposes only. Volunteers wishing to help, were asked to maintain social distancing to keep everyone as safe as possible. It was planned so that if it ever felt that there are too many people on one task, volunteers may be asked to move to another task (mowing, weeding, general tidying etc.) away from others. Please note that the caravan has remained closed, and we are no longer be able to offer catering for volunteers. Volunteers were asked to bring their own food and drink. At first these measures appeared draconian, but we adhered to the rules to try to ensure everyone remained safe and well. During December 2020 to March 2021, the Garden was closed to all except for the odd visit by the trustees to check on the site.
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**FUNDRAISING:** There have been few opportunities to raise funds during the year but we started the year with a healthy balance in the bank and we have managed to cover the running costs for the garden for this year. Covid restrictions limited the on-site events and the possibility of selling plants at a market.
**THE FUTURE** : This continues to look uncertain, however the past year has proved that foot access only has not restricted the use and possibilities of the Garden, rather that the focus has had to change. We continue to get a limited number of visits from external organisations, including the cubs, Scouts, walking groups and Homeless Charities looking at what both sides can do for each other.
## **FINANCES** : TBC
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Payments
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B/Fwd (cash in bank & petty cash) Grants
Donations from Transition Events
Donations (individuals & plants & others) Sales (plants, clothing & compost) Gift Aid claimed
Caravan / site hut Garden structures
Tools and other equipment Fruit trees, soft fruit, plants and seeds Compost / Manure Toilet Twinning Subscriptions & Conferences Web services Insurance & Rent Miscellaneous & Clothing
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## **HOW CAN YOU HELP?**
Our work can only continue with the generous support of people like you. We want to develop our community garden so that we can give more people in the area the opportunity to experience the outdoors and the wide variety of positive opportunities that we can provide for everyone.
**Volunteer your time** —share your labour, ideas, time and skills to help Inspire to establish and improve.
**Make a donation** —in cash or in kind, anything we can use or repurpose for the garden. Fundraise for us—get creative and come up with some exciting ideas that can raise funds and be fun at the same time.
**Spread the word** —spread the word about the benefits of the Inspire Community Garden in your school, workplace or local community.
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